Emanuel has been described as a "21st century Hollywood mogul" and “the pre-eminent power player” in Hollywood.[5][6] Emanuel and WME co-CEO Patrick Whitesell have been characterized as "rewriting the Hollywood script", and they have both been named to Fortune's Businessperson of the Year list.[7][8] In a May 2013 article on Emanuel, Fortune called him "one of the biggest guns in the consolidating entertainment business".[9]

Emanuel gained widespread media attention in July 2006 when he called on Hollywood to blacklistMel Gibson because of Gibson's "anti-Semitic remarks" during his DUI arrest. Emanuel wrote, "People in the entertainment community, whether Jew or Gentile, need to demonstrate that they understand how much is at stake in this by professionally shunning Mel Gibson and refusing to work with him, even if it means a sacrifice to their bottom line."[11]

An April 2002 lawsuit by agent Sandra Epstein against Endeavor Agency brought forth accusations by Epstein and other Endeavor employees against Emanuel.[14] In the court filings, Emanuel is alleged to have allowed a friend to operate a pornographic website out of Endeavor's offices.[14]

According to Epstein, Emanuel made racist and anti-gay remarks and prevented her from sending a script about Navy SEALs to actor Wesley Snipes, saying: "That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Everyone knows that blacks don't swim."[14] Emanuel disputed these accusations at the time. Epstein's claims were settled for $2.25 million.[14]

In March 2013, it was revealed that Emanuel was unhappy with an interview of him and his two brothers conducted by NBC anchor Brian Williams. According to the New York Post, Emanuel was not pleased with the "aggressive" tone of the interview and believed that "something was just off", according to a source.[15] Emanuel's lawyer sent a letter to NBC over the perceived issue.[16]